Rivalry Boiling Point Takes Wholesome Turn as Lewis Hamilton Recalls Infamous F1 Spat With Sebastian Vettel

The 2022 Abu Dhabi GP weekend is upon us, and the spotlight is on Sebastian Vettel. The German is retiring from F1 and will enter his final career race at Yas Marina. In the pre-race weekend press conference, Vettel tagged along with his long-term F1 rivals – Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton spoke about a major incident with Vettel during their 2017 championship battle.

Lewis Hamilton spoke about the boiling point of his rivalry with Sebastian Vettel in 2017. It was during the Azerbaijan GP when Vettel came alongside Hamilton’s car under a safety car period to hit him on the side. Vettel did so as he alleged Hamilton to have brake-tested him. Post the race, Vettel received a ‘dangerous driving’ penalty.

In the Abu Dhabi GP press conference, Hamilton recalled the incident saying, “It [Vettel] was a bit of a nuisance back then [in 2017].” On this, Vettel responded, “I am actually quite sorry to your answer. But I think Baku for me wasn’t a great moment because what I did wasn’t right.”

Seb pointed out that the moment in Baku actually was a blessing in disguise for his relationship with Hamilton. He added, “Actually I think from that moment onwards…”, Lewis quickly jumped in to say, “Our friendship got better.” Seb affirmed the same and concluded, “Yea, a lot better. So I don’t want that to not happen. If you see what I mean.”

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The chemistry between the two world champions is evidence of how their friendship has grown since Baku 2017.

Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton Over the Years in F1

Sebastian Vettel has shared some fiercely competitive moments with Lewis Hamilton. In their early years, from 2007 to 2013, they shared some indirect battles on the track and for the championship. The US Grand Prix in 2012 showed glimpses of a good battle between the duo, as Hamilton passed Vettel to win the race. However, none of them materialized into a head-to-head fight until 2017.

It was in 2017 when Hamilton was chasing a 4th World Championship to equalize Vettel’s tally of 4 titles (2010-2013). With the German driving for Ferrari, a full head-on battle ensued, with Lewis in Mercedes.

Vettel could not stop Hamilton from clinching his 4th title and they both once again started a memorable fight at 4-a-piece in 2018. It was all about who will become a 5-time World Champion first. And once again, the Briton and his Mercedes reigned supreme with Seb’s hopes crashing out after mid-season.

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Nevertheless, Seb and Lewis have been growing close to each other since then. When Lewis sealed his 7th championship in Turkey, Sebastian was the first to congratulate him.

Hamilton may not be the only one who will miss Vettel in F1. Though the chemistry of this duo, despite being rivals, is probably unparalleled in the sport. Let us know which driver duo has a similar connection to Vettel and Hamilton.